Extendable Poles: Adding Space to Your Tree Tent Setup
By Tentsile | The Original Tree Tent & Camping Hammock | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use Tentsile extendable poles to add space and versatility to your tree tent. This guide covers setup steps, common mistakes, and practical tips.
Quick answer
Tentsile Extendable Poles let you prop up rainfly wings for better views or create an awning entrance with the Ground Conversion Kit, adding usable space to your tree tent setup.
Why add space with extendable poles?
A standard tree tent setup gives you a compact shelter. Adding extendable poles turns that shelter into a more open, livable space. You can lift the rainfly wings to see the sky or create a shaded entry area that keeps rain out while you sit or store gear.
The poles are lightweight aluminum and telescopic, so they pack small and adjust to different heights. They are not structural supports for the tent itself—they only hold fabric panels like the rainfly or awning.
What you cannot do with them
These poles are not designed to replace tree straps or support the tent's weight. Do not use them to lift the tent body or as a replacement for ground stakes. Their job is limited to fabric panels and awnings.
How to set up extendable poles with your tree tent
- Attach the rainfly: Set up your tree tent as usual. Once the rainfly is clipped onto the tent, locate the two side wing corners. Each corner has a small loop or grommet. Common mistake: attaching the pole to the wrong loop. Only use the wing corners, not the main rainfly tie-outs.
- Extend and position the pole: Fully extend the telescopic pole to your desired height. Insert the pole tip into the rainfly wing loop. Angle the pole outward and downward so the base rests on the ground at a 45-degree angle. Checkpoint: the pole must point away from the tent, not straight down, to create a stable wing.
- Secure the pole base: Push the pole base firmly into the ground. If the ground is hard, use a stake loop or a small rock to hold it in place. Repeat for the other side. Common mistake: not securing the base. A gust of wind can knock the pole over if it is not anchored.
- Create an awning entrance (optional): If using the Ground Conversion Kit, attach the kit's fabric panel to the tent entrance. Extend two poles and insert them into the panel's corner pockets. Angle the poles outward and stake the panel edges to the ground. Checkpoint: make sure the poles are long enough to lift the panel above head height—short poles create a low, cramped entrance.
- Adjust for wind and weather: In strong wind, lower the poles or remove them entirely. The rainfly wings can act like sails, and the poles are not designed to withstand heavy gusts. Common mistake: leaving poles up in high wind. Always check the forecast and lower them if wind speeds exceed 15 mph.
Product facts
- Extendable Poles: Tentsile's lightweight Aluminium telescopic poles can be used to keep rainfly wings up for better views or with the Ground Conversion Kit for an awning entrance. This means you can customize your shelter for different weather and activities without carrying extra bulky gear.
Extendable Poles
